Windows 11
The HP Laptop 15s-eq3 uses the AMD Ryzen 5 5625U with a Realtek audio codec. When headphones or earphones plugged into the 3.5mm jack produce no sound — audio continues from the laptop speakers instead of routing to the headphones — the Realtek audio driver, Windows Sound settings, or the jack itself needs attention.
Fix 1 — Set Headphones as Default Audio Device
When you plug in headphones, a Windows notification should appear asking you what you plugged in. If it does not appear, right-click the speaker icon > Sound settings > More sound settings. In the Playback tab, right-click Headphones (Realtek High Definition Audio) and set as Default Device. If Headphones does not appear, right-click in the blank space and check Show disabled devices and Show disconnected devices.
Fix 2 — Update Realtek Audio Driver
Visit HP Support, search for the HP Laptop 15s-eq3 product number, and download the Realtek Audio Driver. Install and restart. An outdated or corrupted Realtek driver may fail to detect headphone insertion via the 3.5mm jack, keeping audio routing to the speakers. HP-validated Realtek drivers for the 15s-eq3 include headphone detection firmware specific to this chassis.
- After installing, open Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers and verify a Realtek High Definition Audio entry exists without errors
- Also verify the AMD High Definition Audio Device entry is present (handles HDMI audio)
Fix 3 — Check for Realtek HD Audio Manager
Open Realtek HD Audio Manager (search in Start or find in Control Panel > Hardware and Sound). Go to Connector Settings and enable Auto popup dialog when device is plugged in. This ensures Windows prompts you to select the device type (headphones vs. microphone) when the jack is used. Without this dialog, Realtek may misidentify the jack device and route audio incorrectly.
Fix 4 — Test with a Different Headphone
Test the 3.5mm jack with a different pair of headphones or a known-good audio cable. A worn or damaged headphone connector that does not fully seat in the jack can cause the audio codec to detect a partial insertion and fail to switch audio output from speakers to headphones. The 3.5mm TRS connector requires full insertion until it clicks to properly trigger the headphone detection sensor.
“My HP 15s-eq3 ignored headphones in the jack and kept playing through speakers. The Realtek HD Audio Manager was not detecting jack insertion. Reinstalling the HP Realtek driver resolved it — headphones are now auto-detected.”
— Saleha Mohd Nor, administrative clerk
Frequently Asked Questions
Ryan holds a Computer Science degree and has spent over 15 years troubleshooting Windows hardware and driver issues across major laptop brands. He writes practical, step-by-step guides for everyday users at softwaredriverdownload.com.
Why is the HP Laptop 15s-eq3 headphone jack not working?
The most common causes are the Headphones output not set as default in Windows Sound settings, or the Realtek audio driver not detecting jack insertion. Set Headphones as default in Sound settings > Playback tab. Update the Realtek driver from HP Support and verify the Realtek HD Audio Manager popup dialog is enabled for jack insertion. Test with a different headphone to rule out a connector fault.
What audio codec does the HP Laptop 15s-eq3 use?
The HP Laptop 15s-eq3 AMD Ryzen 5 5625U uses a Realtek High Definition Audio codec for the 3.5mm combo jack and built-in speakers. The combo jack supports both headphones out and microphone in (CTIA standard), allowing a single 4-pole TRRS headset to provide both audio and microphone through the same 3.5mm port.
Does the HP Laptop 15s-eq3 support USB audio?
Yes. USB headsets or USB audio adapters work independently of the Realtek 3.5mm jack. If the built-in headphone jack has a hardware fault, a USB-C or USB-A audio adapter provides a reliable alternative audio output path. USB audio devices appear as separate audio devices in Windows Sound settings and can be set as default independently of the built-in Realtek audio.
Does the HP Laptop 15s-eq3 3.5mm jack support microphone input?
Yes. The 3.5mm port on the HP 15s-eq3 is a combo jack (CTIA/AHJ standard) that supports both headphone output and microphone input simultaneously when using a 4-pole TRRS headset. For a headset with separate 3.5mm headphone and microphone plugs, use a TRRS splitter adapter to connect both to the single combo jack.
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